Zen Shiatsu Society

Congratulations to the Zen School of Shiatsu on accreditation by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education.

This success follows two years of preparation and a rigorous inspection by the BAC of all aspects of school life, from teaching qualifications to Health & Safety.

Master of the Zen School Kris Deva North thanks all who took part in readying the school for this validation of our commitment to excellence, in particular Michael Cullingworth, Bernadette Carelse, Elizabeth Butters and Marta Antunes.

In celebration of this the Zen School is offering a Shiatsu Summer School, with an extra special Intensive Immersion at the old rate, before the unfortunately necessary increase in fees for the next academic year. Register with a click here

We are also celebrating the 3rd London Shiatsuthon on 3rd July to raise money for Help a London Child in association with 95.8 Capital FM, London's No 1 Hit Music Station, furthering our partnership with Capital developed by Marta Antunes. Learn more with a click here.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Zen Shiatsu Society held at the Zen School of Shiatsu on 6th May 2009.

1 Focaliser Report Kris reported that the Society membership had increased to the level required for 2 votes on the Shiatsu Regulatory Group. (SRG)

2 Finances Report Kris reported that the Society is in a financial position to meet foreseeable obligations.

3 Shiatsu Regulatory/Representative Group - Liz reported that the SRG was changing its name to the Shiatsu Representative Group and the Chair was writing a new constitution based on the previous.

Liz agreed to continue representing the ZSSociety at the SRG. As a result of our increase in membership the Society should seek an additional Representative.
Action: Liz to send information to Kris for circulating.

4 Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council Report -

National Occupational Standard (NOS): Kris reported that Skills for Health have sent the final draft to the Sector Skills Council.

Profession-Specific Board: SRG have nominated the Profession Specific Board for Shiatsu. Kris has been appointed to the PSB

CNHC Registration: With PSB in place CNHC should open the national register for Shiatsu practitioners when the NOS is approved. This is likely to be in September this year

5 Revision of Shiatsu Standards re NOS Kris will review ZSS Standards and circulate proposals for modification in the light of the NOS

6 Continuing Professional Development - Evidence of CPD will be among the requirements for membership of the CNHC register. Liz will review the SRG CPD with a view to adoption for our Society and implications for Members

7 Code of Ethics - It was agreed that the existing sanctions are adequate for breaches of the ZSSociety Code of Ethics

8 Election of Focalisers Kris agreed to continue as Focaliser

9 There being no other business the meeting closed at 12.40 pm

Zen Shiatsu Society

The Zen Shiatsu summer training season starts with the Intensive Immersion course 29th May to 1st June, Friday to Monday, 10am to 5 pm with a free Open Evening to find out more on the previous Wednesday 27th May. Or join the regular Tuesday or Thursday class or a monthly weekend. Learn more with a click here.

Congratulations to Annie Hooley, Liz Kendall and Loetitia Sadier on attaining their Intermediate Diploma in Zen Shiatsu. Click to connect

The Zen Squad joined Capital Radio to shiatsu their runners after the London Marathon and got a special thanks on the radio and a page on their web site. Now our name is really out there - your school has always been cool...now, its official! Our next gig is Mind Body Spirit Festival at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Victoria, 20th to 25 May. Come by our Stand 51 and get a nice head- neck- and shoulders massage and help us raise money for Capital's charity Help a London Child. Note for the diary, on Friday 3rd July the 3rd London Shiatsuthon! 7am to 7pm at the Zen School.

Take a look here at the Zen School of Shiatsu's interesting and informative web site.

The Zen School of Shiatsu has supported 95.8 Capital FM's charity Help a London Child since 2007 and this year they are providing massages for our marathon runners.
Zen School of Shiatsu and Help a London Child

On the 26th April Zen School of Shiatsu are partnering up with 95.8 Capital FM's Help a London Child to provide vital massages for the 2009 Help a London Child Marathon runners. Their support with this event is fantastic and we are grateful for the time they are donating.

In addition, Zen School of Shiatsu promote 95.8 Capital FM's charity at exhibitions such as the Vitality Show and the Festivals of Mind Body Spirit and Mind Body Soul, keeping Help a London Child in the consciousness of the new-age generation.

By donating a proportion of their exhibition income, by offering fantastic prizes including personal treatments by Zen Shiatsu Masters and free places on Zen Shiatsu training courses, Zen School of Shiatsu have raised thousands of pounds for disadvantaged children.
Plus, they have first-hand experience of the results - one of their own Zen Shiatsu colleagues received a grant from Help a London Child for a children’s playground she facilitates.
Master of the Zen School, Kris Deva North, says “We are dedicated to teaching how to help others and are happy to be helping the kids of London at the same time.  The response is amazing!”

For more information on Zen School of Shiatsu visit:
http://www.learn-shiatsu.co.uk/
Zen School of Shiatsu 68 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3JT
www.learn-shiatsu.co.uk   e: info@learn-shiatsu.co.uk t: 0700 078 1195

This is the Draft from Skills for Health. Its in four parts. The first three, Principles of Good Practice, CH1 Explore and establish the client’s needs, and CH2 Develop and agree plans, apply to all Complementary Healthcare. The fourth part is specific to Shiatsu: CH11 Provide Shiatsu to clients

Complementary and Natural Healthcare NOS

Principles of Good Practice

These Principles of Good Practice underpin the National Occupational Standards and describe the ways in which practitioners should demonstrate good practice across all of their work.

Practitioners working in complementary and natural healthcare should demonstrate:

1. an understanding of the philosophy and principles underpinning their discipline
2. an understanding of current legislation and policy as it applies to their discipline
3. respect for clients’ dignity, privacy, autonomy, cultural differences and rights
4. regard for the safety of the client and themselves
5. that they learn from others, including clients and colleagues and continually develop their own knowledge, understanding and skills through reflective practice, and research findings
6. an awareness of their own and others emotional state and responses, incorporating such awareness into their own practice
7. that they communicate clearly, concisely and in a professional manner
8. that they work with confidence, integrity and sensitivity
9. that they undertake systematic, critical evaluation of their professional knowledge
10. that they work within their scope of practice and experience at all times

CH1 Explore and establish the client’s needs for complementary and natural healthcare

Overview

All forms of complementary and natural healthcare rely on exploring and establishing the client’s needs and expectations. This may take place at the outset, but also during the delivery of complementary and natural healthcare. This allows the practitioner to consider whether it is appropriate to offer the service to the client, the type of service that should be offered and any required modifications to that service.

Knowledge and Understanding

K1 the concept of health and well-being that is consistent with the practice, principles and theory underlying your discipline

K2 the nature of the service provided and fee structures

K3 how the client’s previous and present care may affect their health and well-being in relation to your discipline

K4 how the psychological and emotional balance, as well as diet and lifestyle of the individual, can affect their health and well being

K5 how the context in which people live affects their health and well-being

K6 the importance of a suitable environment and making clients feels welcome

K7 how to select and use different methods for exploring clients’ needs

K8 how to establish valid and reliable information about the client, and determine the priority of need, in order to plan the service

K9 the potential risks (relevant to your discipline) of various courses of action for the client

K10 how to work with clients to determine the appropriate actions

K11 the appropriate actions to take to suit identified needs

K12 the conditions for which the discipline is appropriate and those where it must be used with caution

K13 how to recognise conditions for which your discipline is unsuitable and for which the client should seek advice from other sources

K14 how to judge whether self-care procedure(s) relevant to your discipline are appropriate for the client

K15 the anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to your discipline

K16 the procedures for record keeping in accordance with legal and professional requirements

Performance Outcomes

1 evaluate requests for complementary and natural healthcare and take the appropriate action

2 explain the nature of the service and fee structures to the client

3 provide an appropriate and safe environment for the service

4 make clients feel welcome and ensure they are as comfortable as possible

5 discuss the client’s needs and expectations, and ask relevant questions

6 encourage the client to ask questions, seek advice and express any concerns

7 establish the client’s needs in a manner which encourages the effective participation of the client and meets their particular requirements

8 determine any contra-indications or restrictions that may be present and take the appropriate action

9 evaluate the information obtained and determine the appropriate action with the client

10 complete and maintain records in accordance with professional and legal requirements

Related Functions
CH2 Develop and agree plans for complementary and natural healthcare with clients
The Complementary and Healthcare NOS specific to your discipline
Additional Information
This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health.

CH2 Develop and agree plans for complementary and natural healthcare with clients

Overview

It is important that the planning of complementary and natural healthcare takes place through discussion and agreement with the client and relevant others (e.g. carers). This competence is about developing and agreeing plans that meet the client’s needs. Such plans may be subject to change as the service proceeds.

Knowledge and Understanding

K1 the range, purpose and limitations of different methods or approaches which may be used for clients’ individual needs

K2 how to determine the most appropriate method(s) for different clients and their particular needs

K3 how to recognise those occasions when your discipline may complement other healthcare which the client is receiving

K4 the alternative options available to clients for whom your discipline is inappropriate

K5 the role which the client (and others) may take, and may need to take, if the approach is to be successful

K6 how to support and advise the client to make informed choices

K7 how to work with the client and relevant others to plan the approach

K8 why evaluation methods should be determined at the planning stage and what the client’s role will be in the evaluation

K9 the importance of encouraging and empowering the client to be as actively involved as possible

K10 the relationship of the client’s involvement to the promotion of their health and well-being

K11 the procedures for record keeping in accordance with legal and professional requirements

Performance Outcomes

1 explain the available option(s) which meet the client’s identified needs and circumstances

2 explain any restrictions, possible responses and advise on realistic expectations

3 advise the client when your discipline is inappropriate and help them to consider other options

4 discuss the approach to be taken, the level of commitment required and the potential outcomes and evaluation with the client

5 check the client understands and support them to make informed choices

6 obtain the client’s consent and complete records in accordance with professional and legal requirements

Related Functions
CH1 Explore and establish the client’s needs for complementary and natural healthcare
The Complementary and Healthcare NOS specific to your discipline
Additional Information
This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health.

CH11 Provide Shiatsu to clients

Overview

This competence is about providing Shiatsu treatment to clients. Shiatsu is a touch based therapy that applies pressure to areas of the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting imbalances, and maintaining and promoting health.

Shiatsu is a Japanese word that literally means finger pressure. Shiatsu derives its theoretical and practical roots from the ancient traditions of Oriental medicine. Today it is an autonomous treatment method influenced by Chinese, Japanese and Western knowledge. An aim of Shiatsu is to promote the flow of Ki.

Terminology

Ki, a Japanese word (Chinese, Qi or Chi) used to describe the life force said to flow through the body, sometimes described as bio-electro-magnetic energy.

Meridian, a term used in Shiatsu to mean the channels said to exist in the body through which the Ki flows.

Tsubo, a Japanese word meaning ‘pressure point’.

Hara, a Japanese word literally meaning belly, in Japanese and Chinese tradition houses the life force. The centre of the Hara, the tan-den, is the body’s centre of gravity.

Knowledge and Understanding

Principles of Shiatsu

K1 relevant principles (e.g. relating to pressure) and concepts such as Ki, meridians and tsubos
K2 theoretical frameworks relevant to the safe and appropriate delivery of Shiatsu

Shiatsu assessment and planning

K3 the relevant assessment techniques (e.g. looking, asking, listening, touch)
K4 conditions (e.g. contagious, infectious, red flag, notifiable conditions) and circumstances (e.g. working under 16s) requiring special consideration
K5 how to recognise conditions for which Shiatsu is appropriate/inappropriate and when Shiatsu should be used with caution or is contra-indicated locally or totally
K6 how the results of the assessment inform treatment planning

Shiatsu treatment

K7 the application of Shiatsu to meet clients’ needs
K8 the Shiatsu treatment options and methods, including:

a) client positioning (i.e. prone, supine, side, sitting/seated)
b) ‘hands on’ the body, perform and adapt the Shiatsu treatment
c) appropriate pressure using for example, palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, forearms, knees or feet
d) relevant principles of working such as: maintaining contact, stretching, and sensitivity of application, working from hara, tsubo and/or meridian contact

K9 how to recognise the limits of one’s own knowledge, skills and experience and the importance of not exceeding them
K10 the clients’ potential responses during the treatment, including:

a) physical
b) mental/emotional
c) no response
d) intensifying/reduction of symptoms

K11 the potential outcomes of Shiatsu treatment:

a) possible ongoing/intensifying of symptoms in the short term
b) improvements of the client’s health and effective functioning (eg. Back pain, stress, and sports injuries)
c) emotional expression or release
d) general well being
e) maintenance and stability
f) palliative
g) client satisfaction

K12 possible after effects of Shiatsu
K13 the aftercare information and advice to provide to the client, including:

a) possible ongoing/intensifying of symptoms in the short term
b) rest and relaxation
c) use of self-care procedures such as self-shiatsu, breathing exercises, appropriate activities

Anatomy, physiology and pathology

K14 anatomy, physiology and pathology of the following systems when relevant to safe and appropriate delivery of Shiatsu:

a) musculo-skeletal system
b) nervous system and sensory organs
c) the skin
d) endocrine system
e) cardiovascular system
f) lymphatic and immune system
g) respiratory system
h) digestive system
i) urinary system
j) reproductive system

Performance Outcomes

1 consult with the client and plan the Shiatsu treatment

2 check that the environment meets the clients needs

3 ensure that any equipment and materials are ready for use and meet professional codes of practice, legal and organisational requirements

4 prepare yourself appropriately to provide Shiatsu

5 position the client for effective Shiatsu treatment and to give as much comfort as possible

6 carry out the Shiatsu treatment safely and correctly

7 make appropriate adjustments to the Shiatsu treatment to meet any changing needs

8 deal effectively with the client’s response to the Shiatsu treatment

9 check the client’s well-being throughout and give reassurance where needed

10 provide clear and accurate advice with regard to any relevant aftercare

11 evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of the Shiatsu treatment to inform future plans and actions

12 complete and maintain records in accordance with professional and legal requirements

Related Functions
CH1 Explore and establish the client’s needs for complementary and natural healthcare
CH2 Develop and agree plans for complementary and natural healthcare with clients
Additional Information
This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health.

New insurance details from Towergate Professional Risks look pretty good to me! You can go on-line and use quote-and-buy, or you can give them a call and they do it all for you. They cover shiatsu, tai chi, chi kung, and a huge list of other therapies (I have to say the list of therapies you can get insured for is...amazing!)

Click here for quote and buy

When the page comes up, click on Complementary Therapists at the top on the left (under the word 'Homepage')and then on the Get a Quote button.

Then you just click on the Yes or No dots until reaching the question 'Are you a member of a Professional Association - please choose'. Click on that and when the list comes up just press z on your keyboard.

Zen Shiatsu Society will appear in the drop-down list for membership organisations and this will trigger the discounted rates.

Or you can just call them up on 0113 3919 555 with your membership info and they will talk you through.

The web site info will be updated soon

For the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) to start registering Shiatsu Practitioners, they need to have two things in place:

1. The National Occupational Standard. This is happening now and should be complete by end March. We've done all we can and now its up to Skills for Health to complete the process and submit to the Department of Health and other stakeholders.

2. A 'Profession-Specific Board (PSB) for the Shiatsu profession. This Board will advise the CNHC on specific-to-shiatsu matters.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the PSB please read through the below and if you fit the bill, send in your application to Paul Thornhurst, Chair of the Shiatsu Regulatory Group, to include your name, shiatsu qualifications and experience, and personal statement (up to 500 words) of the qualities you will bring to the PSB.

Membership of the PSB is likely to entail four scheduled meetings a year and any special attendances regarding investigation and or consultation of specific situations. Attendance and expenses will be remunerated.

Full information is given on the website of theShiatsu Regulatory Group in the 'Working Papers' section.

Profession Specific Boards – Criteria for Practitioner Members
1. Member must be a current Registrant practitioner of the Complementary & Natural
Healthcare Council (CNHC) in good standing. “In good standing” shall be defined here as
meeting the current regulatory standards set by the CNHC.
2. Member must be a current practitioner in, or trainer/teacher of, one or more styles of
complementary healthcare practice (hereafter “the Profession”) which are specifically
relevant to the PSB to which the Registrant is seeking membership and which are
recognised by the CNHC and the relevant PSB.
3. Member must have good working knowledge of the Profession, including the various
styles within the overall Profession, including knowledge of standards of education and
training, practice methods and standards of conduct.
4. Member must have been a practitioner in the Profession, in good standing, (defined here
as meeting the standards set by the relevant Professional Associations) and have been in
current practice for a consecutive period of five years and able to demonstrate evidence of
this last point.
5. Member must be wholly or mainly engaged in the practice and/or teaching/management of
the Profession.
6. Member must be able to demonstrate, at interview or assessment, an awareness of,
personal knowledge of and experience in, the general practice of the Profession, taking
into account the wider perspective of anydifferent styles of practice within the Profession.
7. Member must be able to demonstrate any other such qualities, interests and experiences
that, in the opinion of the Appointments Panel of the CNHC, are relevant to the Profession
and/or work of the PSB.
8. Member must be in current good standing as a practitioner and not be the subject of any
allegations, investigations or proceedings by any professional or regulatory body or any
other body responsible for regulating or representing a complementary healthcare
practice.
9. Member must have good working knowledge of the role, responsibilities and processes of
the PSB and the CNHC (although induction training will likely be provided).
10. Member must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in meetings and be willing
and able to have regard to and consider, without bias, the views and opinions of all styles
of practice within the Profession.
11. Member must be able to contribute their knowledge, expertise and skills in a way that aids
the effective work and decision-making of the PSB.
12. Member must be able to maintain an unbiased overview of the whole of the Profession.
13. Member must be, and continue to be, up to date with current developments within the
Profession in relation to education, training and standards.
14. Member must be proficient in the English language.
15. Member must have a commitment to, and be supportive of, the objectives of the PSB and
the CNHC.
16. Member must be fully independent of any interests, professional, personal or commercial,
which are in conflict or could be in conflict with their responsibilities as a member of the
PSB.
17. Member must act as an officer of the CNHC and abide by its codes of conduct.
18. Member must be able to provide two references, one of which is related to a current
demonstration of the knowledge and experiences defined herein